We advise viewers seeking
to acquire turtles to consider adopting unwanted pet turtles. We are very
pleased with the turtles we have adopted and we have wild caught turtles
that we believe were released pets. We also advise viewers to consider
personality more than looks. We have adopted some very poor looking turtles
who have the nicest personalities. Most adult turtles are not perfect specimens
anyway. We also believe that domesticated turtles adapt to new homes more
readily than wild caught turtles and are more able to form strong bonds
with their new owners.

We think purchasing turtles
and catching wild turtles is okay too. Our experience has shown us that
younger turtles adapt more easily especially babies. On the other hand
many adult male turtles could land on the moon and not care if females
are present. But some wild caught turtles take a long time to adapt to
captivity.

It is also our experience
that new turtles may not be accepted by other turtles. This is usually
a problem within species especially among competing males. Some males have
such a strong drive to mate that they can not be kept with females in the
small confines typical of pet habitats. Wood turtles and spotted turtles
are well known for this problem. Male box turtles can be just as hard on
other male box turtles. Unfortunately sometimes we need to find a new home
for a new turtle.

All summer we hear
from people who see turtles laying eggs in their yards in places they consider
unsafe or inconvenient like in the middle of their driveways. These caring
people want the eggs to survive but are not interested in raising baby
turtles. We advise them to place the eggs in a deli container like we show
in Tour Eight: Caring for Turtle
Eggs and find an interested person to adopt them. So we will list eggs
if they are available for adoption. Dig your own eggs is also an acceptable
listing.

On occasion we take in
unwanted turtles who need cared for while new owners are sought. This occurs
more often at the end of the summer season. Some friends bring us turtles
in the fall knowing that we can accommodate them for the winter. We usually
have no problem finding new owners in the spring.

And it is fair to say
that if you are reading this page, you may have visited other web sites
that make available turtles for adoption. Some of the questions they ask
make us wander if they really want to part with the turtles. Some even
ask for references from a veterinarian. They seek to pass judgment on one's
ability to love and care for turtles based on answering a questionnaire
but make exceptions for red-eared sliders. Donations are usually expected.
While tempted, we have never registered with any of them.

Still we are drawn to
the subject of acquiring turtles. Many viewers are looking for turtles
especially babies. So we have decided to help place turtles in new homes.
By helping you we will also be helping your turtles.

It should not surprise
anyone that red-eared sliders are the most common turtles in need of new
homes. The quantity of red-eared sliders available is evidenced by the
huge number of these turtles being sold in the pet trade. The number of
them being sold is also evidence of the desirability of these turtles as
pets. Still finding new homes for them can take time. Offering your aquarium
and accessories with your turtles makes adoption possible by more people.

We will list turtles that are available
for adoption for free that are located anywhere in the world. We will also
list turtles available from non-profit organizations who do not require
donations, memberships in the organizations, or the filling out of lengthy
questionnaires.

In order to speed
up the adoption of red-eared sliders who dominate our list of available
turtles, we have created a list of people who will take in red-eared sliders.
If you have red-eared sliders that need a new home, please check this list
for someone in your area before placing them on our list of Turtles Available
for Adoption. If there is no one in your area, do not hesitate to have
them listed by us. If you have room for red-eared sliders, please have
your name added to this list.

We are creating
a list of people looking to acquire pet turtles and tortoises. This should
help people find homes for their turtles if there is someone in their area
on the list. In time this list may absorb our Red-eared Sliders Wanted
list but we will keep both for now. This is another free service by TurtleTails.com.